BYO Modem for NBN HFC with Mesh

discod on 27/08/2021 - 14:33

Hi All,

I am in the process of signing up for an NBN plan for my property.
The NBN service is apparently HFC.

I have been reading up about wesh mifi systems and have been considering the google mesh wifi, but my understanding is that kit requires a separate modem as well.

The ISP is charging $150 for a Netcomm NF18 mesh modem.

  • Am I correct in my understanding that the google nest wifi base and router pack (2 pack) requires a separate modem?
  • If I do require a modem, is it worth proceeding with the Netcomm NF18 or am I better sourcing my own alternative for use with a mesh system. Any recommendations?

Cheers

Computing Broadband Modem Router nbn

Comments

  • JimmyF on 27/08/2021 - 14:40
    +3

    Am I correct in my understanding that the google nest wifi base and router pack (2 pack) requires a separate modem?

    Yes but in your case, this would be the NBN HFC Modem (or NBN FTTP modem or NBN FTTC modem for others playing along at home)

    Only if you have NBN FTTN, you do need to use a device with a built in modem.

    I have been reading up about wesh mifi systems and have been considering the google mesh wifi, but my understanding is that kit requires a separate modem as well.

    For you the black NBN box is the 'modem', that connects into your routers WAN port on the google wifi

    • discod on 27/08/2021 - 15:22

      Thank you, this make sense, I do have the NBN "black box"

  • Xyzzy on 27/08/2021 - 14:40
    +2

    HFC comes with a modem provided by NBN (not your retailer). You just connect that to your google mesh - you don't need the Netcomm.

  • Morien on 27/08/2021 - 14:58

    As above, however what ISP?

    Some ISPs require finicky settings in your router, settings that they won't give you (but you can easily find on whirlpool).

    • Twix on 27/08/2021 - 15:01

      My guess is Tangerine (PPPoE) or Aussie BB (IPoE). They sell the NetComm NF18MESH.

    • discod on 27/08/2021 - 15:20

      Looking at Tangerine, but would like a setup suitable with other ISP's as well.

  • Twix on 27/08/2021 - 14:59

    For your benefit don't use Nest Wi-Fi specifically with TPG and iinet or any ISPs who use VLAN ID tags for nbn HFC. Nest Wi-Fi doesn't have the option to enable VLAN ID tags.

    • discod on 27/08/2021 - 15:22
      +1

      Thanks for your suggestion, i had no idea about the "VLAN ID tags".
      What mesh wifi setup would you recommend to have flexibility to deal with this?
      Is it possible to have a mesh wifi setup that can deal with ISP's who use VLAN ID tags and those who dont?
      I dont want to spend a few hundred dollars on a mesh wifi setup that either isnt compatible or performs poorly with a particular ISP.

      • Twix on 27/08/2021 - 15:31

        Asus RT series, Amplifi by Ubiquiti Labs, TP-Link Deco and Netgear Orbi have the flexibility to use VLAN ID tags where required by an ISP.

        To plugin Nest Wi-Fi to the nbn NTD you can use Telstra/Belong, Optus, Aussie BB, Superloop, Launtel, Tangerine and Mate to name a few ISPs. None of these ISPs use VLAN ID tags.

        • discod on 27/08/2021 - 15:51

          Thanks. Are there any of the units that can use VLAN ID tags that you would recommend over the others?
          Am looking to spend ~$300 for my 2BR unit (assuming a 2 device mesh system will do the trick)

          • Twix on 27/08/2021 - 16:30

            @discod: Under $300 the Deco M9 or M5.

            • discod on 27/08/2021 - 16:49
              +1

              @Twix: I've been eyeing the M9 plus, thanks for your help!

    • FirstWizard on 27/08/2021 - 16:11

      I don't think Tangerine VLAN ID tags are a thing anymore.
      I have my TPLink Deco M4 mesh directly plugged into the ARRIS box. Deco can't do VLAN tagging either.
      You just need PPPoE. Which nest wifi seems to have. (https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246630?hl=en-A…)

      So you don't need to buy an extra modem.

      https://www.tangerinetelecom.com.au/help/what-settings-are-r…

      UPDATE: JUNE 2017: For NBN services ordered with Tangerine Telecom on or after 1st June 2017, VLAN Tagging is not required to be enabled on your NBN modem or router.
      Please consult your modem user guide for information on this. VLAN Tagging is required by our network carrier to connect to the network if you have ordered your service before 1st June 2017.
      For NBN Plans ordered before 1st June 2017 you will require a p0/q100 VLAN Tagging rule configured in your modem. You'll also need to select PPPoE for authentication and use the username and password provided in your welcome emails.

  • oscargamer on 28/08/2021 - 09:14

    3 x deco m5 units for $180 at the good guys commercial.

  • n2h on 28/08/2021 - 14:32

    Buy 2 of Xiaomi Mi AIoT Router AX1800, cheap and good

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Xiaomi-Mi-Router-AX1800-White/dp/B…

    • discod on 29/08/2021 - 09:05

      Thanks, I've never heard of these but I'll check them out.

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